Second Test Drive, 530i vs. 545i - Still Undecided
12-05-2004, 01:13 PM
#11
Senior Members
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2009 550i sports, Nav, logic Best E60 yet
2004 545i, sports pkg, logic 7 steptronic, rear shade,orient blue with beige interior, blue tooth enabled Razer Phone. 2004 X5 3.0, sports pkg, stepronic, summer pkg. imola red.
2006 Mini Cooper S, manual, sports, prem pkg, nav and kitchen sink.
Originally Posted by a061444' date='Dec 5 2004, 03:57 AM
Being still undecided, I went on Friday to do a second test drive between the 530i sports, premium vs. the equivalent 545i.? Both automatics, driven in steptronic manual mode.
I drove the 530i first and acceleration was good, handling and overall driving was excellent.? Better then my current 01 A6 2.7t.
Then, I drove an 04 545i since they didn't have an 05 on the lot.? Same features and with sport suspension.? Acceleration was much better, exhaust was very throaty but not loud.? But the handling and balance of the car was not the same.? It felt very heavy on the front end and wasn't as well balanced as the 530i.? I felt like driving my Audi A6.? I actually enjoy driving the 530i more but I obviously liked the acceleration of the 545i.
So, it came done to how much do I want to pay for this good acceleration as everything else was the same as far as options.? The dealer said:
530i = $665/month, 36 months, 0 down, $1600 over invoice.
545i = $825/month, 36 months, 0 down, $2500 over invoice, since he didn't have any on the lot.
So, is it worth the extra $160 per month.? Now I am thinking - NO.?
What do you all think?
Leonard.
I drove the 530i first and acceleration was good, handling and overall driving was excellent.? Better then my current 01 A6 2.7t.
Then, I drove an 04 545i since they didn't have an 05 on the lot.? Same features and with sport suspension.? Acceleration was much better, exhaust was very throaty but not loud.? But the handling and balance of the car was not the same.? It felt very heavy on the front end and wasn't as well balanced as the 530i.? I felt like driving my Audi A6.? I actually enjoy driving the 530i more but I obviously liked the acceleration of the 545i.
So, it came done to how much do I want to pay for this good acceleration as everything else was the same as far as options.? The dealer said:
530i = $665/month, 36 months, 0 down, $1600 over invoice.
545i = $825/month, 36 months, 0 down, $2500 over invoice, since he didn't have any on the lot.
So, is it worth the extra $160 per month.? Now I am thinking - NO.?
What do you all think?
Leonard.
[snapback]64871[/snapback]
Hello Lenard, I recently leased a 2004 545i w/sports and steptronic, last week I took it back to the dealer to have the wheels balanced, they gave me a 2004 530i as a loaner which I had for four days. The 530i is a fine car, but I would not buy it without sports package, there was no comparison with the handling of my car. I also did not like the seats as well. I disigree with your finding as to how the 545i handles, especially with the extra power. I really missed driving my car, the 545i is solid, glued to the road, and fast. The kind of fast that you feel in your gut when you step on the gas. I pushed the 530i for the 4 days that I had it, yes the engine is ample, and if you drive in sports mode as I do you can down shift to be in the right gear when needed. Lenard its up to you, the 530i is a fine car, but if you can put yourself behind the wheel of the 545i, you will be in a great car. FYI I leased my 2004 545i with nothing down and my payments w/tax is under $750.00 per month 3 years 12,000 miles per year. If you need additional miles, you can buy them up till the end of your second year at the same price you would pay now.
Good luck
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post